UNIVERSITY CENTER - When Lake Superior State claimed a seven-point victory over Saginaw Valley State on Jan. 16, the Cardinals were in the midst of a three-game losing streak.

Since then, they have reeled off five straight wins, including Thursday's 71-60 home victory over the Lakers.

SVSU (11-7 overall, 9-6 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) has vaulted back into the playoff picture with its recent success. LSSU (5-17 overall, 5-11 GLIAC) continues to seek positives during a rebuilding year.

Senior guard Raven Trammell scored 18 points, and freshman Kelsey Ance and junior forward Stephanie Fisher added 10 each to lead the Lakers. Both Trammell and Ance did damage after coming off the bench.

Saginaw Valley State held LSSU scoreless during the last three minutes of the first half and led 32-25 at halftime. The Cardinals extended the lead to 10 points, 44-34, four and one-half minutes into the second half.

LSSU closed within four, 59-55, with 3:10 remaining, but SVSU responded with six straight points, including four by Kayla Womack, who led all scorers with 21 points. Four players scored in double figures for the Cardinals.

SVSU shot 40.7 percent from the field, including 4-of-11 from three-point range, and made 23-of-24 free throws. They out-rebounded LSSU, 40-30.

Lake Superior State shot 39.3 percent from the field, including 4-of-16 from behind the arc, and made 12-of-16 free throws.

LSSU plays at 1 p.m. Saturday at Northwood.

SVSU-LSSU Boxscore